Superior VRE4536RS User manual

Installation and Operation Instructions
Superior™ Universal Vent-Free Outdoor Firebox
P/N 127029-01 Rev. A 01/2014
PFS
®
USC
Models
VRE4536RS
VRE4536WS
VRE4536RH
VRE4536WH
VRE4542RS
VRE4542WS
VRE4542RH
VRE4542WH
VRE4550RS
VRE4550WS
VRE4550RH
VRE4550WH
P127029-01
SAVE THIS BOOK
This book is valuable. In addition to instructing you on how to install and maintain your appliance, it also contains
information that will enable you to obtain replacement parts or accessory items when needed. Keep it with your other
important papers.
INSTALLER: Leave this manual with the appliance.
CONSUMER: Retain this manual for future reference.
Installateur : Laissez cette notice avec l’appareil.
Consommateur : Conservez cette notice pour consultation ultérieure.
This wood burning fireplace complies with
UL127 CAN/ULC-S610-M87 standard as a
FACTORY BUILT FIREPLACE.
Ce foyer au bois est conforme aux UL 127 CAN/ULC-
S610-M87 norme comme une USINE CONSTRUITE
CHEMINÉE.
This fireplace is approved for use as a wood furning fireplace or for use with a vented gas log approved to
ANSI Z21.60 or Z21.84 standards or for use with a vent-free gas log heater approved to ANSI Z21.11.2 standard.
FOR CANADA: The authority having jurisdiction
(such as the municipal building department, fire
department, etc.) should be contacted before
installation to determine the need to obtain a
permit.
POUR LE CANADA: L’autorité compétente (comme le
service municipal du bâtiment, les pompiers, etc.) doit
être contacté avant l’installation afin de déterminer la
nécessité d’obtenir un permis.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket permanently located, manufactured home (USA only)
or mobile home, where not prohibited by local codes. This appliance is only for use with the type of gas indicated
on the rating plate. This appliance is not convertible for use with other gases, unless a certified kit is used.
WARNING: If the information in these
instructions is not followed exactly, a fire or
explosion may result causing property damage,
personal injury or death.
AVERTISSEMENT : Assurez-vous de bien suivre les
instructions données dans cette notice pour réduire au
minimum le risque d’incindie ou d’explosion ou pour éviter
tout dommage matériel, toute blessure ou la mort.
—Do not store or use gasoline or other
flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity
of this or any other appliance.
—WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS:
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not
use any phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from
a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas
supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call
the fire department.
—Installation and service must be performed
by a qualified installer, service agency or the
gas supplier.
—Ne pas entreposer ni utilizer d’essence ni d’autres
vapeurs ou liquides inflammables dans le voisinage
de cet appareil ou de tout autre appareil.
—QUE FAIRE SI VOUS SENTEZ UNE ODEUR DE GAZ :
• Ne pas tenter d’allumer d’appareil.
• Ne touchez à aucan interrupteur. Ne pas vous
servir des téléphones se trouvant dans le bâtiment
où vous trouvez.
• Appelez immédiatement votre fournisseur de
gaz depuis un voisin. Suivez les instructions du
fournisseur.
• Si vous ne pouvez rejoindre le fournisseur de gaz,
appelez le service des incindies.
—L’installation et l’entretien doivent être assurés par un
installateur ou un service d’entretien qualifié ou par
le fournisseur de gaz.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety .................................................................. 2
Local Codes......................................................... 4
Product Features................................................. 4
Locating Firebox.................................................. 4
Product Specications......................................... 5
Air For Combustion and Ventilation..................... 8
Installation ......................................................... 10
Firebrick Wall Installation................................... 14
Gas Line Installation.......................................... 15
Technical Service............................................... 17
Replacement Parts............................................ 17
Parts .................................................................. 18
Warranty ............................................................ 23
WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, al-
teration, service or maintenance can cause injury or
property damage. Refer to this manual for correct in-
stallation and operational procedures. For assistance
or additional information consult a qualied installer,
service agency or the gas supplier.
WARNING: Carefully review the instructions sup-
plied with the decorative type unvented room heater for
the minimum replace size requirement.
DO NOT INSTALL THE APPLIANCE IN THIS FIREBOX,
UNLESS THIS FIREBOX MEETS THE MINIMUM DIMEN-
SIONS REQUIRED FOR THE INSTALLATION.
WARNING: FOR USE ONLY WITH A LISTED, GAS-
FIRED UNVENTED DECORATIVE ROOM HEATER NOT
TO EXCEED 40,000 BTU/H.
DO NOT BUILD A WOOD FIRE.
SAFETY
This appliance may be installed
in an aftermarket,* permanently
located, manufactured (mobile)
home, where not prohibited by
local codes.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for
purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
This firebox has been tested
under Z21.91b-2007 for use
with approved ANSI Z21.11.2
decorative type unvented room
heater.
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble, op-
erate or service this replace.
Improper use of this replace
can cause serious injury or
death from burns, re, explo-
sion, electrical shock and carbon
monoxide poisoning.
DANGER: Carbon monoxide
poisoning may lead to death!

WARNING: Any change to
this rebox or its controls can
be dangerous.
WARNING: Do not allow fans
to blow directly into the rebox.
Avoid any drafts that alter burner
ame patterns. Ceiling fans can
create drafts that alter burner
ame patterns. Altered burner
patterns can cause sooting.
WARNING: Do not use a blow-
er insert, heat exchanger insert
or other accessory not approved
for use with this rebox.
Due to high temperatures, the
appliance should be located out
of trafc and away from furniture
and draperies.
Do not place clothing or other
ammable material on or near
the appliance. Never place any
objects in the rebox or on
logs.
Firebox front and screen be-
comes very hot when running
rebox. Keep children and adults
away from hot surfaces to avoid
burns or clothing ignition. Fire-
box will remain hot for a time
after shutdown. Allow surfaces
to cool before touching.
Carefully supervise young chil-
dren when they are in the room
with rebox.
Keep the replace area clear and
free from combustible materials,
gasoline, and other ammable
vapors and liquids.
SAFETY
Continued
You must operate this replace
with the provided fireplace
screen and hood in place. Make
sure these parts are in place
and screens are closed before
running installed gas log heater.
Replace hood with INNOVATIVE
HEARTH PRODUCTS model
109511-01 50", 109511-02 42",
or 109511-03 36" only. This hood
has been designed to keep the
operation of your replace safe
and efcient.
1. Do not use this rebox as a wood burning
replace. Use only decorative unvented
room heaters (log sets).
2. Do not add extra logs or ornaments such as
pine cones, vermiculite or rock wool. Using
these added items can cause sooting.
3. Use only the provided hood. See Parts,
page 30.
4. Vent-free gas log heaters installed in these
reboxes require fresh air ventilation to
run properly. See Air for Combustion and
Ventilation, page 8.
5. Do not run vent-free heaters installed in
these reboxes
• where ammable liquids or vapors are
used or stored
• under dusty conditions
6. Do not use this rebox to cook food or
burn paper or other objects.
7. Turn unit off and let cool before servicing.
Only a qualied service person should
service and repair rebox.
8. Operating vent-free heaters installed in
these reboxes above elevations of 4,500
feet could cause pilot outage.
9. Do not use the rebox if it has been
under water.
10. Before using furniture polish, wax, carpet
cleaner or similar products, turn heater
off. If heated, the vapors from these prod-
ucts may create a white powder residue
within burner box or on adjacent walls
and furniture.
11. Provide adequate clearances around air
openings.

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State of Massachusetts: The installation
must be made by a licensed plumber
or gas fitter in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
Sellers of unvented propane or natural
gas-fired supplemental room heaters
shall provide to each purchaser a copy of
527 CMR 30 upon sale of the unit.
Vent-free gas products are prohibited for
bedroom and bathroom installation in
the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
PRODUCT FEATURES
OPERATION
This rebox is designed for use with approved
ANSI Z21.11.2 decorative type unvented room
heaters. (Physical size limitations apply. Refer
to minimum rebox requirements supplied
with log heater.) It requires no outside vent-
ing or chimney making installation easy and
inexpensive.
LOCAL CODES
LOCATING FIREBOX
PLANNING
Plan where you will install the rebox. This will
save time and money later when you install
the rebox. Before installation, consider the
following:
1. Where rebox will be located. Allow for
wall and ceiling clearances (see Installa-
tion Clearances, page 11).
2. Everything needed to complete installation.
3. These models CANNOT be installed in
a bedroom unless maximum Btu rating
of installed vent-free log set is less than
10,000 Btu/hr.
4. Proper air for combustion and ventilation
(page 8).
Install and use rebox with care. Follow all
local codes. In the absence of local codes,
use the latest edition of The National Fuel Gas
Code ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54*. Firebox must
be electrically grounded in accordance with
the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA70
(latest edition).
*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
NOTICE: The firebox canopy
(hood) must not be modified
or replaced with a canopy that
may be provided with the un-
vented decorative room heater.

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127029-01A 5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
36" MODELS
Figure 1 - 36" Models (Picture may vary from actual replace)
30 1/2"
29"
30"
11 1/8"
54 1/2"
7 7/8"7"
36"
45 1/8"
35/16"
97/16"
50"
365/16"
7 3/8"
111/8"
3 3/4"
4 7/8"
36" HEARTH
1 1/4"
20 1/4"
(Ref.)
35 1/4"
19"
22 1/2"

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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Continued
42" MODELS
Figure 2 - 42" Models (Picture may vary from actual replace)
4 7/8"
54 1/2"
7 7/8"7"
36 5/16"
50"
42"
51 1/8"
32 3/8"
3 3/4"
30 5/16"
8 3/4"
13"
3 5/16"
9 7/16"
30"
11 1 /8"
42" HEARTH
1 1/4"
23"
(Ref.)
41 3/8"
26 3/8"
21 3/4"

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127029-01A 7
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Continued
50" MODELS
Figure 3 - 50" Models (Picture may vary from actual replace)
365/16"
50"
8 3/4"
13"
35/16"
97/16"
59 1/8"
50"
7 7/8"7"
30"
54 1/2"
11 1/8"
32 3/8"
3 3/4"
38 5/16"
4 7/8"
50" HEARTH
1 1/4"
23"
(Ref.)
49 3/8"
34 3/8"
21 3/4"

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AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Unusually tight construction is dened as
construction where:
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the out-
side atmosphere have a continuous
water vapor retarder with a rating of
one perm (6 x 10-11 kg per pa-sec-m2) or
less with openings gasketed or sealed
and
b. weather stripping has been added on
openable windows and doors and
c. caulking or sealants are applied to
areas such as joints around window
and door frames, between sole plates
and oors, between wall-ceiling joints,
between wall panels, at penetrations
for plumbing, electrical and gas lines
and at other openings.
If your home meets all of the three criteria
above, you must provide additional fresh
air. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors,
page 10.
If your home does not meet all of the three
criteria above, proceed to Determining
Fresh-Air Flow For Firebox Location.
Conned and Unconned Space
The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/
NFPA 54 denes a conned space as a space
whose volume is less than 50 cubic feet per
1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 m3 per kw) of the ag-
gregate input rating of all appliances installed
in that space and an unconned space as a
space whose volume is not less than 50 cubic
feet per 1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 m3 per kw)
of the aggregate input rating of all appliances
installed in that space. Rooms communicating
directly with the space in which the appliances
are installed*, through openings not furnished
with doors, are considered a part of the un-
conned space.
* Adjoining rooms are communicating only if
there are doorless passageways or ventilation
grills between them.
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW
FOR FIREBOX LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Conned or
Unconned Space
Use this work sheet to determine if you have
a conned or unconned space.
Space: Includes the room in which you will
install heater plus any adjoining rooms with
doorless passageways or ventilation grills
between the rooms.
WARNING: This heater shall
not be installedin aroomorspace
unless the required volume of in-
door combustion air is provided
by the method described in the
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA54, the International
Fuel Gas Code, or applicable
local codes. Read the following
instructions to insure proper
fresh air for this and other fuel-
burningappliances in your home.
Today’s homes are built more energy efcient
than ever. New materials, increased insulation
and new construction methods help reduce
heat loss in homes. Home owners weather
strip and caulk around windows and doors to
keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Dur-
ing heating months, home owners want their
homes as airtight as possible.
While it is good to make your home energy
efcient, your home ne eds to breathe. Fresh
air must enter your home. All fuel-burning ap-
pliances need fresh air for proper combustion
and ventilation.
Exhaust fans, replaces, clothes dryers and
fuel burning appliances draw air from the house
to operate. You must provide adequate fresh
air for these appliances. This will insure proper
venting of vented fuel-burning appliances.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE
VENTILATION
The following are excerpts from National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for
Combustion and Ventilation.
All spaces in homes fall into one of the three
following ventilation classications:
1. Unusually Tight Construction
2. Unconned Space
3. Conned Space
The information on pages 8 through 10 will help
you classify your space and provide adequate
ventilation.
Unusually Tight Construction
The air that leaks around doors and windows
may provide enough fresh air for combustion
and ventilation. However, in buildings of un-
usually tight construction, you must provide
additional fresh air.

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127029-01A 9
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Continued
1. Determine the volume of the space (length
x width x height).
Length x Width x Height =__________cu. ft.
(volume of space)
Example: Space size 22 ft. (length) x 18 ft.
(width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) = 3,168 cu. ft.
(volume of space)
If additional ventilation to adjoining room
is supplied with grills or openings, add the
volume of these rooms to the total volume
of the space.
2. Multiply the space volume by 20 to determine
the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support.
________ (volume of space) x 20 = (Maxi-
mum Btu/Hr the space can support)
Example: 3,168 cu. ft. (volume of space) x 20 =
63,360 (maximum Btu/Hr space can support)
3. Add the Btu/Hr of all fuel burning appliances
in the space.
Vent-free replace _________ Btu/Hr
Gas water heater* _________ Btu/Hr
Gas furnace _________ Btu/Hr
Vented gas heater _________ Btu/Hr
Gas replace logs _________ Btu/Hr
Other gas appliances* + _________ Btu/Hr
Total = _________ Btu/Hr
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances.
Direct-vent draws combustion air from the
outdoors and vents to the outdoors.
Example:
Gas water heater _________ Btu/Hr
Vent-free replace  _________ Btu/Hr
Total = _________ Btu/Hr
4. Compare the maximum Btu/Hr the space
can support with the actual amount of Btu/Hr
used.
_______ Btu/Hr (maximum the space can
support)
_______ Btu/Hr (actual amount of Btu/Hr
used)
Example: 63,360 Btu/Hr (maximum the
space can support)
79,000 Btu/Hr (actual amount of
Btu/Hr used)
The space in the example is a conned space
because the actual Btu/Hr used is more than the
maximum Btu/Hr the space can support. You
must provide additional fresh air. Your options
are as follows:
A. Rework worksheet, adding the space of an
adjoining room. If the extra space provides an
unconned space, remove door to adjoining
room or add ventilation grills between rooms.
See Ventilation Air From Inside Building.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See
Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 10.
C. Install a lower Btu/Hr replace, if lower Btu/
Hr size makes room unconned.
Figure 4 - Ventilation Air from Inside
Building
Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option
3
Ventilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Option 2
Ventilation
Grills Into
Adjoining
Room,
Option 1
12"
12"
If the actual Btu/Hr used is less than the
maximum Btu/Hr the space can support, the
space is an unconned space. You will need
no additional fresh air ventilation.
WARNING: If the area in which
the heater may be operated does
not meet the required volume for
indoor combustion air, combus-
tion and ventilation air shall be
provided by one of the methods
described in the National Fuel
Gas Code,ANSI Z223.1/NFPA54,
the International Fuel Gas Code,
or applicable local codes.
VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building
This fresh air would come from an adjoining
unconned space. When ventilating to an
adjoining unconned space, you must provide
two permanent openings: one within 12" of the
ceiling and one within 12" of the oor on the
wall connecting the two spaces (see options
1 and 2, Figure 4). You can also remove door
into adjoining room (see option 3, Figure 4 ).
Follow the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for Combustion and
Ventilation for required size of ventilation
grills or ducts.
40,000
39,000
79,000

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Figure 5 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
Outlet
Air
Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
Air
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ventilated
Crawl Space
To
Crawl
Space
To Attic
Ventilation Air From Outdoors
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation
grills or ducts. You must provide two perma-
nent openings: one within 12" of the ceiling
and one within 12" of the oor. Connect these
items directly to the outdoors or spaces open
to the outdoors. These spaces include attics
and crawl spaces. Follow the National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for
Combustion and Ventilation for required size
of ventilation grills or ducts.
IMPORTANT: Do not provide openings for
inlet or outlet air into attic if attic has a thermo-
stat-controlled power vent. Heated air entering
the attic will activate the power vent.
WARNING: A qualied ser-
vice person must install rebox.
Follow all local codes.
WARNING: Never install
rebox
• in a bedroom or bathroom*
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture,
clothing, or other ammable
objects are less than 36" from
front or 42" from top of rebox;
for side clearances see Figure
4, page 11
• in high trafc areas
• in windy or drafty areas
* Unless installed log set is rated
at 10,000 Btu/Hr or less.
CAUTION: Log heaters
installed in this rebox create
warmaircurrents.Thesecurrents
move heat to wall surfaces next
to rebox. Installing rebox next
to vinyl or cloth wall coverings or
operating rebox where impuri-
ties(such as, but not limited to, to-
bacco smoke, aromatic candles,
cleaning uids, oil or kerosene
lamps, etc.) in the air exist, may
discolor walls or cause odors.
INSTALLATION
NOTICE: The rebox identica-
tion label (including model num-
ber, serial number, clearances,
etc.) is located on a chain under
the bottom refractory.
IMPORTANT: Vent-free gas log heaters add
moisture to the air. Although this is benecial,
installing rebox in rooms without enough
ventilation air may cause mildew to form from
too much moisture. See, page 8.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the rebox is level.
If rebox is not level, log set will not work
properly.
Note: Your rebox is designed to be used in
zero clearance installations. Wall or framing
material can be placed against any exterior
surface on the rear, sides, top or bottom of
your rebox, except where standoff spacers
are integrally attached. If standoff spacers are
attached to your rebox, these spacers can
be placed directly against wall or framing ma-
terials. Use the dimensions shown for rough
opening to create the easiest installation.
Use dimensions shown for rough openings
to create the easiest installation (see Built-In
Firebox Installation, page 12).
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Continued